Chapter 21: Gathering Storm

The tournament grounds buzzed with excitement as the second round of battles was announced. More powerful fighters were stepping onto the battlefield, and the competition was only getting fiercer.

Round Two – Match Three

Li Tianming vs. Luo Yan

Round Two – Match Five

Jiang Chen vs. Lei Xueyan

The moment Tianming saw his opponent's name, his eyes sharpened. Luo Yan—the second-ranked disciple of the Storm Horizon Sect.

Jiang Chen nudged Tianming. "You really know how to attract trouble."

Tianming smirked. "It's not my fault they keep coming to me."

Lei Xueyan grinned. "Looks like I get to fight your friend. Don't worry, I'll go easy on him."

Jiang Chen clicked his tongue. "Don't insult me. Just fight seriously."

---

Tianming vs. Luo Yan

The battlefield was filled with tension as Tianming and Luo Yan stepped forward. Luo Yan's presence was suffocating, his dark robes fluttering despite the lack of wind. His sharp amber eyes locked onto Tianming.

"You're strong," Luo Yan said, rolling his shoulders, "but this is where you stop."

Tianming raised an eyebrow. "You talk too much."

The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"

Luo Yan vanished.

A storm erupted around Tianming, howling winds slicing through the air. A massive storm dragon formed behind Luo Yan, its translucent body crackling with energy.

"Storm Dragon's Descent!" Luo Yan roared, his fist striking down like a bolt of lightning.

Tianming barely had time to react before the force slammed into him, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The ground cracked, dust and debris flying everywhere.

The audience gasped. "Did Luo Yan win in one move?!"

But then—

Celestial Void Step

A blur moved through the dust. Tianming reappeared, completely unharmed.

Luo Yan's eyes widened. "What—?"

Tianming smirked. "Not bad. But it's my turn now."

His sword ignited with golden energy, and in a flash, he closed the distance. Luo Yan barely raised his arm in defense before—

BOOM!

Tianming's attack sent him flying across the battlefield, crashing into the arena wall.

The crowd fell silent.

The referee hesitated before raising his hand.

"…Winner, Li Tianming!"

Luo Yan coughed, trying to push himself up, but his limbs refused to move.

Tianming sheathed his sword, walking away as if nothing had happened. The battle was over.

---

Jiang Chen vs. Lei Xueyan

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen faced Lei Xueyan on the battlefield. Unlike the serious intensity of Tianming's fight, their battle was filled with playful banter.

Lei Xueyan smirked, twirling a dagger made of wind energy. "You sure you don't want me to go easy?"

Jiang Chen rolled his shoulders. "Try me."

The fight began with Lei Xueyan launching a flurry of rapid slashes. Jiang Chen parried most of them, but a few grazed his arms.

"You're fast," Jiang Chen admitted.

Lei Xueyan grinned. "And you're slower than I expected."

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes. Without warning, he unleashed his Crimson Wind Slash, a devastating sword technique that created a massive arc of red energy.

Lei Xueyan's expression shifted. She dodged, but the force tore through the battlefield, leaving a deep scar in the stone.

The audience murmured in shock.

Jiang Chen pointed his sword at her. "Still think I'm slow?"

Lei Xueyan grinned. "Alright, now I'm serious."

She disappeared.

Jiang Chen's instincts screamed at him—she was behind him!

"Phantom Wind Step!"

Before he could react, Lei Xueyan's dagger was pressed against his neck.

"Got you," she whispered.

Jiang Chen sighed. "…I lost."

The referee declared her the winner.

As they walked off the battlefield, Lei Xueyan laughed. "You're fun to fight. Let's spar again later."

Jiang Chen smirked. "Next time, I won't lose."

---

As Tianming and Jiang Chen returned to the waiting area, a mysterious figure in dark robes watched from the upper stands.

"So, that's the one causing all this trouble."

Their eyes glowed faintly in the shadows.

A second voice chuckled. "He's interesting. Should we act now?"

The first figure shook their head. "Not yet. Let's see how strong he really is."

---

What Comes Next in Chapter 22:

The semi-finals begin.

A hidden expert takes an interest in Tianming.

Mu Qingfeng's spies move closer.

A deadly opponent awaits in the next round.